Internships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers a large variety of internship opportunities for enrolled high school and college students, as well as recent college graduates. An internship is a great way to get to know our agency and pursue full-time employment opportunities.

For college students

Career Discovery Internship Program (CDIP)

This partnership with the Student Conservation Association is designed to introduce culturally and ethnically diverse college freshman and sophomores from all over the United States to careers with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Who Should Apply
College freshman and sophomores interested in careers with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Greening Youth Foundation

Our partnership with Greening Youth Foundation seeks to expose the Service to the diverse communities local to national wildlife refuges in an effort to reach out to the local communities to promote environmental education, awareness of the agency, and career opportunities within the agency.

Who Should Apply
Undergraduate level students interested in biology, ecology, environmental education, public outreach, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and more!

When to Apply
Typically around January.

Compensation
Paid internship.

Locations
Throughout the southeastern United States. See a map of current job opportunities.

Pathways Internship Program

The Internship Program replaces the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). This Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school and while getting paid for the work performed. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.

Who Should Apply
Current students in an accredited high school, college (including four-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.

When to Apply
Year-round, while still enrolled in school.

Compensation
Paid internship.

Locations
Throughout the United States.

How to Apply
Create an account on Usajobs.gov and visit usajobs.gov to search for opportunities.

For More Information
Visit the internship program information page on opm.gov.

For recent college graduates

Pathways Recent Graduates Program

Affords developmental experiences in the Federal Government intended to promote possible careers in the civil service to individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who have up to six years after degree completion to apply). Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic, developmental program with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. The program lasts for one year (unless the training requirements of the position warrant a longer and more structured training program).

Who Should Apply
College graduates who have completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.

When to Apply
Year-round, within two years of graduation.

Compensation
Paid internship.

Locations
Throughout the United States.

How to Apply
Create an account on Usajobs.gov and visit usajobs.gov to search for opportunities.

For More Information
Visit the recent graduate program information page on opm.gov.

Swain County High School students before paddling down the Tuckasegee River. Photo by Gary Peeples, USFWS.

For high school students

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)

YCC is a summer employment program typically 8 weeks long from June through August. Students work and learn as a team while engaged in environmental stewardship experiences.

The YCC focuses on: youth development, natural resource stewardship and conservation, creating positive community involvement and career exploration. Participants gain a variety of experiences from biological monitoring to facilities maintenance and visitor services.

Who Should Apply
Young people aged 15-18.

How to Apply
To request info on YCC opportunities, contact the wildlife refuge or fish hatchery nearest you.